Florida AG Sues Porn Sites for Age Verification Failures

Published Date : 8/6/2025 

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed lawsuits against several major pornography companies for failing to comply with the state’s age verification law, HB 3, which took effect on January 1, 2024. 

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is taking legal action against several major pornography companies for failing to comply with the state’s age verification requirements. The lawsuit targets Webgroup Czech Republic, NKL Associates, Sonesta Technologies, Inc., GGW Group, and Traffic F, which collectively operate some of the world’s most popular adult content sites, including XVideos, XNXX, and Bang Bros.

The state’s HB 3, which became effective on January 1, 2024, mandates that adult content sites implement anonymous age verification measures. Additionally, the law bans children under 14 from creating social media accounts. Despite the clear legal requirements, these companies have allegedly taken no action to comply with the new regulations. In April, AG Uthmeier issued warnings to two of the companies, but no changes were made.

The Free Speech Coalition, an online sex education platform, and other organizations had initially filed a legal challenge against HB 3. However, they abandoned the challenge in July following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Texas’ age assurance law. A similar challenge to the social media portion of the bill has been filed by NetChoice, a lobby group.

In addition to the age verification violations, Uthmeier alleges that the companies have violated Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by building databases of information on Floridian users of all ages. This includes data collection practices that may be considered intrusive and unethical.

The implementation of HB 3 has also led to a spike in VPN downloads, as users seek to circumvent the age verification requirements. This loophole has been a point of criticism, with some arguing that the law is ineffective in its current form.

Pornhub, one of the largest adult content platforms, cut off access to Florida users as of January 1, 2025, in compliance with the new law. The company has blocked access in 17 states that require age verification measures. Age assurance legislation has been enacted or officially proposed in 29 states, according to 404 Media, while 8 states have rejected similar bills.

The ongoing debate over age verification laws highlights the complex balance between protecting minors and preserving online freedoms. As more states consider similar legislation, the legal and technological landscape surrounding adult content and social media continues to evolve. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is Florida's HB 3?

A: HB 3 is a Florida law that took effect on January 1, 2024, requiring adult content sites to implement anonymous age verification measures and banning children under 14 from creating social media accounts.

Q: Which companies are being sued by Florida AG James Uthmeier?

A: The companies being sued include Webgroup Czech Republic, NKL Associates, Sonesta Technologies, Inc., GGW Group, and Traffic F, which operate popular adult content sites like XVideos, XNXX, and Bang Bros.

Q: What actions did Pornhub take in response to HB 3?

A: Pornhub cut off access to Florida users as of January 1, 2025, in compliance with the age verification requirements of HB 3.

Q: How has the Supreme Court's decision impacted the legal challenges to age verification laws?

A: The Supreme Court's decision to uphold Texas' age assurance law led to the abandonment of the initial legal challenge against HB 3 by the Free Speech Coalition and other organizations.

Q: What is the current status of age verification legislation in the United States?

A: Age assurance legislation has been enacted or proposed in 29 states, with 8 states rejecting similar bills, according to 404 Media. 

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